Dropped a driver in the engine bay and can't find it - any ideas

[ontheheel]

I was tightening the hose clamp on the passenger side of the intercooler, and my driver popped off and dropped into the engine bay. It sounded like it fell onto the skid plate, so I dropped that down, but it wasn't there. I'm looking ell over and about to take the whole front end of the car apart. Anyone have this happen to them before? Where should I look first if I can't find it easily or see it from above/below?

 

Thanks!

[Ol' Dirty Noodle]

Get a magnet and get in there like it's your first time fingering a bitch

[ontheheel]

I did try that, but came up empty - funny thing is that as soon as I post anything, I figure it out. No matter how long I've been trying, it always works. 

Solution I came up with: tie a white thread to another driver and drop it repeatedly in the area I dropped the original. Eventually, I saw it take a bounce and launch backwards. I got underneath and gave a good smack on the oil pan splash guard and heard a distinct rattle. Popped it off and out came the bit. 

PSA for anyone else - check the splash guard, even if you don't think it could launch back that far!